The Western States Annual Conference embodies a pioneering, mission-driven spirit across one of the largest and most geographically diverse regions in the Global Methodist Church. Stretching across nearly five million square miles, and now extending internationally into Fiji and Australia , the conference is embracing its identity as both a connectional family and a mission field where new churches, leaders, and disciples are being raised up in remarkable ways. Conference leaders describe the West as a place that requires a “ missionary mindset. ” Many congregations do not own buildings, and several church planters serve bi-vocationally while planting and leading ministries in communities where a strong Gospel witness is urgently needed. Rather than focusing on maintaining institutions, churches across the conference are prioritizing disciple-making, evangelism, multiplication, and intentional Christian community. Because of the vast distances between churches, Annual Conference gatherings have become especially important moments of worship, encouragement, training, and relationship-building. Throughout the year, the conference also hosts quarterly pop-up trainings centered on leadership development, disciple-making, multiplication, and practical ministry support. Districts are encouraged to gather in person whenever possible, reflecting the conference’s strong belief that authentic connection is essential for healthy ministry. Conference Superintendent Rev. Mark Maddox shared, “One of our strongest emphases is cultivating a culture of multiplication.” This remains one of the conference’s defining priorities across the region. He further commented, “Every local church is encouraged to engage in local mission work while also embracing the vision that every church plants.” In addition, congregations are encouraged to help launch new faith communities through prayer, financial support, mentoring, or direct planting efforts. The conference also continues to develop and expand its House Fire initiative , which is a home-based gathering of people who want to grow in faith, build real relationships, and experience the power of the Holy Spirit in an intimate, welcoming setting. House Fires are designed to make it easy for anyone to start a new faith community, similar to the concept of a house church. However, the conference is reworking this initiative as an outreach and discipleship tool for those outside the denomination seeking a deeper Christian community and intentional disciple-making environments. Leaders hope these House Fires may eventually develop into GMC churches. The conference has already identified fifty strategic locations throughout the Western United States where leaders believe new churches are needed. In addition, the conference is launching a proof-of-concept church planting initiative , seeking two people (lay or clergy) currently serving or living in other US Conferences who feel called to relocate to a specific location in the Western United States to start a new congregation as bi-vocational church planters. This initiative is about more than planting a church, it’s about making disciples in an under-reached area. Church planting momentum continues to grow. Most churches within the conference are themselves church plants, many launched through creative ministry models, parachute drops into unreached communities, or leaders willing to sacrifice comfort and security in pursuit of a clearer missional calling. The conference is partnering with organizations like River Network and Planters Field to provide training, coaching, and support for current and future church planters. The conference’s expanding international partnerships are also shaping its future. In addition to recently adding churches in Fiji and launching its first church in Australia, the conference is developing a partnership with Covenant Philippines. Leaders also expressed deep gratitude for the support they have received from conferences across the GMC connection, including West Plains, MidSouth, South Georgia, Allegheny West, and others that have come alongside the Western States Conference to strengthen ministry efforts across the West. The diversity of the conference continues to grow as well. Alongside its Fijian churches and Australian ministry, the conference is preparing to launch a new Hmong church this spring. Leaders describe the Western States Conference as one of the most culturally diverse conferences in the denomination and believe that diversity is strengthening both the conference and its witness. Conference leaders repeatedly pointed back to one central conviction: God is moving across the West. They describe watching the Holy Spirit raise up unexpected leaders, open doors for ministry, and bring together people with a passion for making disciples of Jesus Christ. Rev. Maddox reported that “one of our greatest strengths is the willingness of pastors, laity, church planters, and district leaders to sacrificially serve across enormous distances and challenging ministry environments.” One recent testimony highlighted the deep spiritual transformation taking place in local churches. A woman who entered hospice care after becoming deeply involved in her congregation shared with church members, “I never knew this is what faith was supposed to be like.” Through intentional discipleship, prayer, and authentic Christian community, she experienced peace and assurance in the final days of her life. Leaders say stories like hers remind them why discipleship matters and why churches must continue investing deeply in people. Another powerful example involved a seminary student from Wesley Biblical Seminary who initially had no denominational connection. After spending time with conference leaders in prayer and discernment, the student and his wife sensed God calling them into ministry within the Global Methodist Church. Today, he is preparing to launch a new church plant in Central California. As the conference looks toward the future, its priorities remain clear: making disciples, planting churches, developing leaders, and strengthening local congregations throughout the West and beyond. The conference acknowledges the challenges of serving such a vast region with limited resources, yet they remain deeply hopeful and energized by what they believe God is doing across the Western mission field.

PELLA, Iowa — Endorsed leaders from across the Global Methodist Church gathered in April at the Vermeer Global Pavilion in Pella, Iowa, for a two-day training and fellowship event focused on strengthening ministry, building relationships, and encouraging those called to serve Christ beyond the walls of the local church. Hosted by GMC Endorsing Ministries in partnership with Vermeer Corporation, the event centered on the theme Faithful Presence: Courage, Calling, and Care in Endorsed Ministry. Forty participants represented a broad range of ministry settings, including military chaplaincy, healthcare, corrections, counseling, coaching, corporate chaplaincy, first responder ministries, and other specialized contexts where ministry often takes place outside traditional congregational life. Rev. Gary Clore, Director of Endorsing Ministries for the Global Methodist Church, noted that the event reflected the church’s commitment to caring for and equipping endorsed leaders serving in unique ministry environments. “Many of our endorsed leaders serve in places where they are often the church’s first point of contact with people in crisis, transition, or need; they serve as a faithful presence of Christ in places many churches may never reach,” Clore said. The work of endorsed ministry reflects John Wesley’s famous conviction, “The world is my parish.” For Wesley, ministry extended beyond church buildings and traditional boundaries into the places where people lived and worked.  The gathering began with an in-person meeting of the Ecclesiastical Endorsing Board before transitioning into worship, fellowship, and training sessions designed to encourage and equip participants. Highlights included presentations by: Rev. Doug Stewart — Well-Behaved Chaplains Rarely Make History Rev. Jason Fry — From Fixing to Forming: Coaching Skills for Chaplains and Caregivers Faithful Presence on the Front Lines panel discussion featuring endorsed leaders serving in a variety of ministry settings Monday evening featured a keynote message from Rev. Mike Schafer, Connectional Operations Officer for the Global Methodist Church , who challenged attendees to embrace the significance of ministries that often take place out of public view. Drawing from 2 Samuel 17:27–29 , Schafer highlighted three often-overlooked individuals— Shobi, Makir, and Barzillai —whose practical acts of support sustained David and his followers during a critical moment of crisis. Though not among Scripture’s most recognized figures, Schafer noted that their faithfulness made a profound difference. “Some of God’s most important work is carried out by people whose names may never become widely known,” he said. Schafer reflected on how many endorsed ministers serve in similar ways—quietly, faithfully, and often outside the spotlight. Military chaplains, counselors, healthcare workers, prison chaplains, and others frequently minister in unseen moments that rarely receive public attention but can profoundly shape lives. His message reminded attendees that kingdom impact is not measured by visibility, platform, or recognition, but by faithfulness. For many in attendance, the message deeply resonated with the realities of their daily ministry. Day two featured a special Chaplain Connect experience led by Rev. Dr. Alan T. “Blues” Baker , retired Rear Admiral and former Navy Chaplain, under the theme Navigating the Currents of 21st-Century Chaplaincy. Drawing from decades of ministry and leadership experience, Baker led participants through three sessions: Vessel at Sea Charting the Course Standing the Watch Using both practical wisdom and nautical imagery, Baker addressed the challenges chaplains and endorsed leaders face while emphasizing resilience, leadership, and faithful ministry amid rapidly changing ministry contexts. Participants also received copies of Baker’s Foundations of Chaplaincy as a resource for continued learning and development. As the event concluded, attendees departed renewed in their calling and strengthened by the reminder that they serve as representatives of Christ in places where ministry often unfolds quietly—but where eternal impact is made. About GMC Endorsing Ministries GMC Endorsing Ministries supports and equips endorsed leaders serving in military, healthcare, counseling, corrections, coaching, corporate, and other specialized ministry settings. Through ecclesiastical endorsement, community, training, and ongoing support, endorsed leaders are empowered to serve as faithful representatives of Christ wherever God calls them.